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Found 444 results for the keyword ‘Techniques’

  • How to glue down curling edges of vinyl floor tiles?

    First use a hot air gun, or hair dryer, to warm the problem part of the tile. Then carefully lift it slightly beyond the original problem. Now, clean off the floor and the tile from the years of dust that has accumulated under this slightly curled tile. Put contact cement under the corner. Pu...
  • Making decorative ceramic tiles.

    Elsa Mann shows how she makes tiled tables by hand. Of particular interest is her homemade extrusion molding process which allows her to create ceramic edge trim for her tables. She cuts the cross section of the trim into a piece of plywood. Then a clay press above the plywood forces the clay i...
  • Cutting heavy sheet metal

    When you need to cut heavy sheet metal, like the fire-rated door cover that we saw in this TV show, regular shears are not good enough. You could do it with a metal cutting blade in a jig saw, but that is very slow. The professional will use electric shears that make the job easy, but they are o...
  • Taking the warp out of furniture grade lumber

    As wood dries out, it tends to twist and turn in all kinds of directions. Generally furniture grade lumber arrives in a shop with a bit of a bow along its length, a bit of a cup across its width and maybe a twist to boot. How do you get this rough cut twisted lumber into perfectly straight and f...
  • Insulating an above grade block wall from the inside

    This article deals with a block wall above grade.  For a below grade block wall see Basement Perimeter Drainage and Leaking Foundations.   Bryan is faced with a totally un-insulated cinder block wall with 1x2 strapping and a plaster covering.  He is thinking about stripping it back to the block...
  • Weather Restrictions: Acoustical Sealant

    Connect to your favourite weather forecaster and look for the following conditions:   Category: Adhesives     Product: Acoustical Sealant Temperature Limitations: Product must be above +5 C (+40 F) -- but surface can be below freezing. Rain Limitations: Apply to a dry surface. Wind Limitatio...
  • Weather Restrictions: Water based caulking / Acrylic Latex

    Connect to your favourite weather forecaster and look for the following conditions:   Category: Sealants (Caulking)     Product: Water based caulking / Acrylic Latex Temperature Limitations: Above +5 C (+40 F) to +15 C (+60 F) depending on brand Rain Limitations: No rain for 30 min. Wind Lim...
  • Weather Restrictions: Silicone Caulking / Sealant

    Connect to your favourite weather forecaster and look for the following conditions:   Category: Sealants (Caulking)     Product: Silicone Caulking / Sealant Temperature Limitations: Above +5 C (+40 F) and below +27 C (+80 F) Rain Limitations: Apply to a clean, dry surface - no rain for 30 min...
  • Weather Restrictions: Thermoplastic Caulking / Sealant

    Connect to your favourite weather forecaster and look for the following conditions:   Category: Sealants (Caulking)     Product: Thermoplastic Caulking / Sealant Temperature Limitations: Above -30 C (-22 F) and below +40 C (104 F) -- keep product above +5 C (+40 F) Rain Limitations: Dry befor...
  • Weather Restrictions: Brick Mortar

    Connect to your favourite weather forecaster and look for the following conditions:   Category: Masonry     Product: Brick Mortar Temperature Limitations: Use above + 5 C (+40 F) Rain Limitations: No standing water or wash out prior to setting Wind Limitations:  Protect mortar if wind will d...